With the clocks turned back, and the evenings shorter and darker, many of us are already turning to our favourite wintery comforts to shield us from the cold. Hot drinks, big jumpers, brisk morning walks and cosy nights in - the sun may not always be shining but there is still lots about this time of year that can be pretty magical. As many grandmothers have said: “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” - so wrap up warm, get out there and make the most of it!

The good people at BENU are certainly no strangers to colder weather. A relatively young company, BENU have been designing and handcrafting their bold, colourful pens from their Moscow headquarters since 2016. In contrast to the local climate, their designs are bright and vivid, emphasising the artistry and beauty that made so many of us fall in love with handwriting in the first place. Co-founder and chief designer Alex Semanin brings his 15+ years in fine jewellery and watch design to the front and centre, personally managing or overseeing every step of their pens’ production from initial drawings to finishing touches to ensure every one meets his rigorous standards. Each BENU pen is hand-fitted with a premium Schmidt nib, secure screw-close cap, and comes with a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing exceptional quality every time.

With Christmas approaching, at this time of year we are all prone to a little extra decadence - and why not? After all you’ve endured, you deserve to see through the end of the year with a bit more sparkle to light your way, and enjoy the magic of the season. BENU bring this same energy to each of their pens. Each pen’s barrel is strikingly colourful and infused with glitter, dazzling with just the right kind of excess. Each range, in turn, carries its own distinct meaning and inspiration.

Euphoria

Inspired by a few of their favourite hedonistic pleasures. Some are simple - Vodka on the rocks, French poetry - while others a little more extravagant - like the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora! Available as a fountain or rollerball, the pen’s classic cigar shape is augmented slightly with an octagonal barrel and domed ends, giving a sleek modern silhouette.

Scepter

These pens have been instilled with a distinctly regal air thanks to their unique shape modelled after a traditional monarch’s sceptre. Each of the barrel’s facets twists round the pen at an angle, giving a distinctive and majestic look.

Briolette

Drawing upon Semanin’s years in the jewellery world, this pen is shaped like a briolette-cut gemstone, catching the light with its diamond-shaped facets as you use it. Lightweight yet satisfying to hold.

Minima

Pocket-sized elegance and beauty on-the-go. These pens are slight - only 126mm in length - but make a big impression. Particular attention should be paid to the Blazing Gold and Baikal Ice models, which are infused with real gold and silver leaf.

Talisman

Each pen in this range is inspired by - and infused with - a different legendary material, each possessing a different mystical property that it will bestow upon the user. These are:

Dragon’s Blood A bright red resin drawn from trees which grew from the blood of a dragon slain by Hercules himself. In the middle ages it was used by apothecaries to give strength and invulnerability.
Edelweiss A mountain flower that grows high in the alps that features prominently in many legends of romance and true love. Herbalists believe it brings bravery and will grant one’s heart’s desire.
Peacock Ore A copper-red mineral that Tantra and Kundalini Yoga practitioners believe is particularly adept at aligning one’s Chakras. It will help find balance and encourage happiness and creativity in the user.

 

Each pen tells its own unique and breathtaking story - a story which draws upon centuries of history and lore, and is perfect for retelling around the fire on a cold winter night. Perhaps a letter to Santa written with Edelweiss will bring you what you wish for; or a Christmas card to a distant loved one written with Dragon’s Blood can help keep them safe and protected? Whatever your needs, BENU pens can help instil that little bit of extra magic into your daily life. Now pop the kettle on, snuggle under a blanket, and enjoy yourself in whatever way brings you joy this time of year. ‘Tis the season!